A Fall Dinner Party with Kikori Whiskey

KIKORI WHISKEY LANDS IN LA

My friend Ann (and my first roommate in LA a loooong time ago) just launched her company Kikori, which is a Japanese Rice Whiskey. I’m no whiskey connoisseur, but I’m learning. And what I’ve learned so far is that Kikori is a really good whiskey to try if you are looking for a “starter” whiskey because it’s rather mild and won’t completely knock you out on your first try. It also makes some of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted in my life. We recently celebrated its arrival in LA with an intimate dinner party at Ann’s and let me tell you…Ann knows how to throw a party. Bringing in the absolute best vendors this city has to offer, it was complete perfection in every way. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I wanted to share the photos along with her resources to serve as tablescape inspiration, but I also put together a ‘get the look’ since we can’t always hire the best of the best. And finally…one killer Kikori cocktail recipe that you should serve at your next dinner party.

Or, seriously just make one tonight and cheers to the almost weekend.

VENDORS

Catering and Event Design –  Annie Campbell Catering
Florals – Bloom and Plume
Flatware- Borrowed Blu
China and Glassware – Casa de Perrin
Place cards, Dinner Menu and Cocktail Menu – Anne Robin calligraphy
Bar- Cocktail Academy

While we’re on the topic of getting the look, this fringe skirt is my favorite fall find. I’ve worn it twice and both times people freaked out over it. Get it here >

I loved this attention to detail…Kumamoto oysters because Kikori is made in Kumamoto, Japan.

ORO BLANCO SOUR
Kikori whiskey, oro blanco grapefruits, honey, lemon, egg white, bitters

 2 oz. Kikori,
0.75 oz lemon juice
0.75 oz simply syrup  (you can adjust lemon juice and syrup depending on sweet/ sour mood)

Combine all ingredients in a small tin
Add egg whites in big tin
Combine both tins and shake without ice first
Add ice, shake and strain into a cocktail coupe

GET THE LOOK FOR LESS

Since co-hosting a dinner party series, I have learned that first and foremost, entertaining is expensive. Especially if you want to go all out on the decor and make it different every time. We have had to get creative and use Pinterest photos as a place for inspiration, but then purchase from way less expensive places than you can rent from the top vendors in LA. Ann’s party took my entertaining goals to new levels, so I was inspired to figure out a way to get the look for less. See all my picks below!

1. Black Studded Wine Glasses from Chairish   // 2. Using fruit as decor is inexpensive and perfect for a Thanksgiving table. I love green pears and purple grapes next to all white hydrangeas.  Depening on the size and shape of your table, you can fill several gold containers with the fruit or just place the fruit in bunches directly on the table and do one floral centerpiece. Using one type of flower bunched tight looks expensive and is the easiest floral DIY. // 3. Twinkle Dot Coupe Glass // 4. Black and Gold Flatware from One Kings Lane // 5. Salt Dishes // 6. Black Chargers // 7. Red Wine Glasses with Gold Rim  // 8. Gold Rimmed Plates

Photos by Christine Chang